As we head into Week 8 of the 2025 regular season, the Northern Illinois Huskies are set to play against the Ohio Bobcats at Peden Stadium in Athens, OH. The Huskies come into this game with a challenging record of 1-5, struggling particularly on the road with a 0-3 record. Meanwhile, the Bobcats stand at an even 3-3, showing strength at home with an unbeaten 3-0 record. Northern Illinois recently lost to the Eastern Michigan Eagles 16-10, despite out-rushing their opponent 216 to 152 yards. The Huskies have faced a tough schedule, including a significant defeat against Mississippi State, reflecting their current challenges. The team will be looking for a turnaround performance in this upcoming contest on ESPN+. The Ohio Bobcats, coming off a narrow 20-14 defeat to Ball State, have demonstrated offensive capability, notably in their 52-35 victory against Gardner-Webb. The Bobcats’ balanced attack has been a highlight, with strong performances both in passing and rushing at Peden Stadium. As they aim to improve their conference record, this home game presents a crucial opportunity for Ohio.
Ohio vs Northern Illinois At a Glance
- Game Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
- Venue: Peden Stadium in Athens, OH
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Ohio Bobcats Home Record: 3-0
- Northern Illinois Road Record: 0-3
- Game Odds: Ohio favored with a spread of -11.5
Ohio Bobcats: A Deep Dive into Their Upcoming Battle
Offensive Overview
The Ohio Bobcats have shown a balanced offensive approach this season, ranking 59th in points with 158. They are currently ranked 33rd in rushing yards, accumulating 1178 on the ground, which has been a key component of their offensive strategy.
The passing game has seen more modest success, with 1285 passing yards placing them at 80th. This suggests a tendency to rely more on their running game, which might play a significant role in their upcoming contest.
Defensive Insights
On defense, Ohio has allowed 156 points, placing them at 89th in the rankings. They have excelled at creating turnovers, particularly with 7 interceptions and 11 sacks, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Ranking 8th in both interceptions and fumbles recovered, their defense is opportunistic and capable of making crucial plays that can shift the momentum of a game. This defensive prowess will be essential against their next opponent.
Recent Performance
In their recent games, Ohio has experienced mixed results, highlighted by a recent 14-20 loss to Ball State. Despite the setback, their performances against teams like Bowling Green and Gardner-Webb were more promising, with solid offensive outputs.
Their recent win against Bowling Green, scoring 35 points, was a testament to their offensive capabilities, especially in the rushing department with 238 yards on the ground. This could be a key focus area in their upcoming matchup.
Key Players to Watch
Parker Navarro has been leading the charge at quarterback, delivering 1266 passing yards and 9 touchdowns in six games. His role will be crucial in orchestrating Ohio’s offense and navigating through the opposing defense.
Running back Sieh Bangura has been a standout, ranking 35th with 481 rushing yards. His ability to break through defenses and score touchdowns will be a focal point for Ohio’s offensive game plan.
Team Betting Trends
- Ohio is 20-2 in their last 22 home games.
- They have a 21-3 record as favorites in their last 24 games.
- After a loss, Ohio has gone 8-0 in their last 8 games.
- With totals of 50 or more, Ohio has an 18-3 record in their last 21 games.
- Overall, they are 22-8 in their last 30 games.
Northern Illinois Huskies: A Deep Dive into Their Upcoming Game
Offensive Performance
Northern Illinois has managed to accumulate 65 points so far this season, ranking them 96th overall. The passing game has struggled significantly with only 599 passing yards, placing them at the bottom, ranked 127th.
However, their rushing game shows promise with 929 yards, ranking 71st. This indicates a strong focus on the ground game to drive their offensive plays.
Defensive Outlook
The Huskies’ defense has allowed 122 points this season, placing them 68th overall. Despite this, their defense has been effective in turnovers with 4 interceptions, ranked 5th.
Additionally, Northern Illinois has recorded 7 sacks, ranking them 19th, which indicates a strong defensive line that can pressure the quarterback effectively.
Recent Game Recap
In their recent game against Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois fell short with a 16-10 loss. The team managed 94 passing yards and showed strength in their rushing game with 216 yards.
Despite the loss, the game highlighted the Huskies’ ability to control the ground game, even as they struggled to convert first downs with only 14 compared to Eastern Michigan’s 17.
Key Players
Josh Holst leads the quarterbacks with 376 passing yards over four games, although his interception rate suggests room for improvement. On the ground, Telly Johnson Jr. has excelled with 395 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in six games.
In the receiving corps, DeAree Rogers stands out with 28 receptions and 289 receiving yards. His contributions have been crucial in advancing the Huskies’ aerial attack.
Injury Concerns
The Huskies face several injury concerns, notably with key offensive line players like Luke Skartvedt and Thomas Paasch listed as questionable. Running back Jaylen Poe is also uncertain, potentially impacting the rushing attack.
Wide receivers Jamari McIvory and Rickey Taylor Jr. are also dealing with injuries, which could further affect their passing game efficiency.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games (2023–2024) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games (2023–2024) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 22 Games (2021–2024) → 15-7 (68.2%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 23 Games (2021–2025) → 15-8 (65.2%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 30 Games (2020–2025) → 18-12 (60.0%)
Ohio vs Northern Illinois Prediction: Over 41.5
The upcoming game between Ohio and Northern Illinois features a total set at 41.5, which seems relatively low given the offensive potential of both teams. Ohio, with a home record of 3-0, has consistently shown they can score, ranking 59th in points for with 158 on the season. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois has struggled defensively, conceding 122 points, placing them 68th nationally.
Ohio’s offense is particularly strong at home, and Northern Illinois’ defense, although ranked 68th in points against, has shown vulnerabilities. The Bobcats’ rushing attack, which ranks 33rd nationally, could exploit the Huskies’ defensive lapses, leading to a higher-scoring affair. Additionally, Ohio’s betting trends favor games going over when they’re playing at home and as favorites.
On the other side, Northern Illinois, while struggling with a 1-5 record, can still contribute to the scoreboard. They scored 28 points in their last postseason outing, indicating an ability to put up points against a solid opponent. With Ohio’s defense allowing 156 points this season, Northern Illinois could find opportunities to score.
Considering Ohio’s offensive capabilities at home and Northern Illinois’ defensive struggles, the total of 41.5 seems reachable. A projected score of Ohio 28 – Northern Illinois 17 supports taking the over in this game.
- Ohio vs Northern Illinois Prediction: Over 41.5
- Ohio vs Northern Illinois Score: Ohio 28 – Northern Illinois 17
